Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Driven: a week with a Chevrolet Volt

In Fall 2010, before the Volt went on sale in North America, we sampled an early build model and came away so impressed, we declared it the car for the digital age. Since then the car has received harsh criticism from the press and been outsold by the Nissan Leaf in the North American market. Given the unique powertrain, we felt longer exposure to the Volt was therefore in order, so on a recent trip to Michigan, we lived with one for five days.

Ford B-Max goes in to production

The Ford B-Max – Ford’s long overdue replacement for the Fusion – has gone in to production in Romania before going on sale in Europe in September. The Ford B-Max is the long-awaited replacement for the very ancient Ford Fusion which finally, a year on from the B-Max Concept - arrived at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in production guise. Thankfully – because the B-Max concept as so convincing – Ford has managed to deliver a production B-Max that carries over almost all the features of the concept with just a few minor things – like more sensible wheels and proper door handles – marking the production B-Max out from the concept.

Aston Martin CEO to auction his Rapide for Japan aid

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez will put his own Rapide up for auction at the Bonhams yearly sale of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars and automobilia on May 21. All proceeds from the sale of Bez's car will go to aid victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. "Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan," Bez said.